Many people ask us how they can help, and it is one of the most frequent questions a foundation or organization is asked to address. We at Clinics Rising think there are many ways to help, no matter how small the contribution. We help route contributions to the appropriate foundation or organization featured on ClinicsRising.com.

 

Each organization is different and as such has different development goals. Often fundraising, development, donations or charity are looked at as the only way to help. The reality is that sometimes, your time is enough to make a big difference. We recently traveled to Rwanda with WWHPS in late January 2008, and brought with us 300 lbs of clothing, books, art supplies, and toys, all donated by school children, friends, and family. These donations made a huge difference in the lives of numerous Rwandan families. We live in a world of so much excess, yet a lowly pair of gloves or socks can make a child's week or month. Even a pencil and notebook will bring giant smiles, and you can be assured that the pencil will have a very long life, used right down to the eraser.

In order to get even 300 lbs of clothing over, it takes a tremndous amount of coordination and volunteer effort, as well as a strong back. The logistics become one of the most limiting factors -- people like to donate clothing or books, but no one wants to pay for shipping. It is less expensive to check excess baggage than to ship by DHL, so each volunteer who travels over is asked to carry an extra bag or two. If you would like to make a donation please do so below.

If you are interested in helping to organize a donation drive of clothing or other supplies, please contact me, here. Also, if you have contacts with manufacturers/distributors/retailers of similar items, and can obtain their donations of such, please do so.  Again, help with shipping costs is always much needed.